Claudia Puig
You could call Casino Royale "The Bond Identity."
The latest James Bond installment has less campy flavor and more pulse-stopping action (?? la The Bourne Identity). It also sets the scene for Bond's evolution from a cocky brute into the sophisticated and suave spy we know and love.
Though Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan distinguished themselves in previous movies, Daniel Craig has made Bond his own. His portrayal feels grittier and more complex than previous 007s. This is also partly the result of a better script, by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Oscar winner Paul Haggis, as well as top-notch directing by Martin Campbell (GoldenEye). Craig brings a sadistic edge and intensity to the role - along with a wondrously chiseled physique. He also has a vulnerability and dark wit.
His piercing blue eyes project a steely resolve and cool toughness. We believe he could kill mercilessly in a way that perhaps the more dashing Brosnan might not have persuaded us. Craig's Bond is arrogant to the point of blundering, which makes him a bit more human.
The action in the film also tops previous Bonds. The opening is a riveting, dialogue-free 20-minute foot chase between Bond and an African bombmaker with super-human agility.
Craig is thoroughly convincing physically in athletic sequences. Here, the action focuses more on human stunts than explosions. A chase involving an airport bomber and Bond atop his truck is more about the characters than the firepower.
Action sequences are leavened by an evolving romance between Bond and Vesper Lynd (Eva Green).
The film is about a half hour too long. The third act drags and an extended high-stakes poker game doesn't always keep our attention. But this is a superior Bond. Craig has signed on for more Bond action, which is good news. His menacing, but human, interpretation of the spy adds an intriguing dimension to the role and has reignited a rather tired and predictable series.
?? Copyright 2006 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
